INVASION FROM OTAGO

Southland Times, Issue 23888, 5 August 1939, Page 6

INVASION FROM OTAGO

BIG CROWDS TRAVEL TO INVERCARGILL SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM ON RAILWAY STATION Although many supporters were disappointed when the Ranfurly Shield match between Southland and Otago was postponed last week, convincing evidence that the enthusiasm has not waned was provided by the big crowds of Otago visitors arriving in Invercargill last night. During the day many members of the Otago contingent travelled south by car and judging by the big numbers that came by train last evening there is every possibility of the attendance at today’s match being a record. Four special trains reached the city last night and it is estimated that they carried about 1400 passengers in all. The Invercargill station was the scene of great enthusiasm when the train carrying the Otago shield and junior teams arrived. Standing room was at a premium on the platform and as the train came to a standstill a solid mass of people surged forward to greet the visitors. Cheers were freely exchanged and the dark blue and maroon colours vied with each other as Southland and Otago supporters mingled. An exnectant crowd waited eagerly for the appearaance of the Otago team, but the players, who were in a carriage at the rear of the train, slipped away almost unnoticed and the spectators were given little opportunity to welcome the team in customary style. Those who were not aware that ’ the team had already departed from the station gathered outside and it was several minutes before they turned away in disappointment. The more enthusiastic spectators rushed to the hotel in an effort to gain a glimpse of some of the members of the team that is to play Southland today. The train that arrived with the shield team at 8.35 p.m. brought 330 persons to Invercargill, and the usual Christ-church-Invercargill express carried 200 passengers. The excursion tickets could not be used on this train and this probably accounted for the smaller number travelling on the express. The heavy volume of traffic delayed the special train due at 10.6 and it did not arrive until 10.35. The station was again crowded to greet arrivals by this train, which carried 400 passengers. About 390 supporters arrived by the 11.10 train and the 11.25 special carried about 300 passengers. ARDOUR OF OTAGO FANS Light, drizzling rain fell at intervals during the evening, but this in no way affected the ardour of Otago supporters, who let it be known that they held no doubts about the outcome of the shield match. Southland supporters were by no means daunted by the brave showing made by their rivals from over the border and until a late hour parties of youths paraded the streets singing and generally in high spirits. Three special trains are due to arrive from Dunedin this morning and this afternoon and there is little doubt that each train will carry a full complement of passengers.: The number of persons travelling by rail is expected to reach a total of 3000 and it is expected that at least 2000 visitors will come by car. Although the hotels were almost fully booked at the beginning of the week inquiries for lodging were received up to midnight at some of the hotels last night. It is expected that the demand for accommodation will be much greater today. Those enthusiasts who arrive in the city without having made arrangements for accommodation will find it difficult to obtain a bed tonight.